Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which the body is brought into alignment with the new heart and spirit imparted to the born-again believer upon their soul's salvation. Like salvation it can only be earnestly pursued via the unction of the Holy Spirit. 

As the agent of sanctification, the Holy Spirit enables and sustains believers in their pursuit of holiness. Justified believers set the stage for sanctification by not only avoiding activities that grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom they are sealed, but also by engaging in those that invoke His presence and prepare them to receive more holiness and power. 

There are Five Key Practices for Sanctification

1. Sacrifice of a Broken Spirit and Contrite Heart (Psalm 51:17, Matthew 5:3): Believers should approach God with humility and repentance, recognizing their own sinfulness and their need for God's grace.
2. Confession & Public Confession of Chronic Sin (James 5:16, 1 John 1:9): Believers are encouraged to openly admit and confess their sins, seeking forgiveness from God and restoration with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Effectual Fervent Prayer of Righteous Brethren (James 5:16, Acts 12:5, 1 John 5:16): Believers should consistently engage in fervent and sincere prayer, both individually and communally, to draw closer to God and experience His transforming power.
4. Mind Renewal Via Meditation on God's Word (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 2:15): Believers are called to immerse themselves in the study and meditation of Scripture, allowing God's Word to renew their minds and shape their lives.
5. Forgoing Preoccupation with Secular Pursuits (2 Corinthians 6:17, Philippians 4:8, 1 Peter 2:11): Believers should prioritize their spiritual growth by abstaining from worldly distractions and focusing on activities that promote godliness and virtue.

The Path to Sanctity is a lifelong journey for believers as they seek to live in alignment with the new heart and spirit they received upon salvation. By engaging in the five key practices and relying on the unction of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience progressive sanctification and grow in holiness, becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, actions, and desires.

Our Pursuing Holiness Blog contains many sanctification stories and studies.

An impotent church often cries out for spiritual revival, a desperate plea for renewal in the face of spiritual stagnation. However, our pursuit of holiness need not be marked by continual cycles of revival and decline. Instead, we are called to engage in an ongoing process of sanctification, striving to maintain and deepen our spiritual vitality.

Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher and theologian, lamented the constant need for revival within the church, eloquently stating:

"It is a sorrowful fact that many who are spiritually alive greatly need reviving. It is sorrowful because it is proof of the existence of much spiritual evil... Such should be the constant condition of the sons of God. Feeding and lying down in green pastures and led by the still waters, they ought not always to be crying, 'my leanness, my leanness, woe unto me.'... For a church to be ever in need of revival is the indication of much sin, for if it were sound before the Lord it would remain in the condition into which a revival would uplift its members. A church should be a camp of soldiers, not a hospital of invalids." 

Spurgeon compared a spiritually healthy believer to a young, vigorous individual who is growing and thriving, not in need of revival but rather seeking sustenance and growth. A healthy believer, like a fruit-bearing tree by the water, should not require constant revival but should remain steadfast and fruitful in their spiritual journey.

Spurgeon's observation highlights the importance of sustained sanctification and spiritual growth. A church continually in need of revival is indicative of persistent sin and spiritual weakness. Instead of languishing in this state, believers should strive for growth in grace, increased strength, and greater success in their walk with Christ.

To achieve this sustained sanctification, believers must be diligent in their pursuit of holiness, embracing the five key practices outlined earlier in this doctrinal statement. By doing so, they can move beyond the cycle of revival and decline, aspiring to reach greater heights in their spiritual journey.

The call for sustained sanctification and spiritual growth, as eloquently emphasized by Charles Spurgeon, underscores the importance of continuous, intentional effort in our walk with Christ. By pursuing sanctification and engaging in the key practices that nurture our spiritual health, we can cultivate a vibrant, thriving church that is not dependent on perpetual revival but remains steadfast in its love and service to God.

References:

Spurgeon, C. H. (1882). One Antidote for Many Ills. Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 28, Sermon #1673.